Sharad Navratri 2024: Dates, Muhurat, Significance & What You Can Eat While Fasting

Devoted to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, Sharad Navratri is a special and significant Hindu festival. There are four Navratris in a year – Magha, Chaitra, Ashadha, and Sharad, and the latter is believed to be the most important of them all. So, ahead of Sharad Navratri 2024, here’s all you need to know about this nine-day-long festival!

Why Is Sharad Navratri Celebrated?

Celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin, Sharad Navratri usually falls between September and October. This time around, the festival will start on October 3 and go on till October 12, concluding on the tenth day with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami. According to Drik Panchang, the best time for Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana will start from 12:19 AM on October 3 and conclude by 2:58 AM on October 4.

Now, coming to the big question – why is Sharad Navratri celebrated? It is believed that a demon called Mahishasura had waged a war against the devas. Thanks to his boon, no man could kill him and this meant his menace continued for a long time. It was then that Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva created Goddess Durga. The goddess fought Mahishasura for nine long days and finally killed him on the 10th day of the battle. That’s why we celebrate Vijayadasami on the 10th day of this festival, marking the victory of good over evil.

Also Read: Navratri 2024: 10 Garba & Dandiya Nights In Mumbai For You To Dance Your Heart Out This Year

What To Eat If You’re Fasting During The Festival

It is believed that Goddess Durga comes to earth during these 10 days and that’s why devotees celebrate Sharad Navratri in full enthusiasm. Many even fast (vrat) during this festival to seek blessings from her. This practice of fasting is a symbol of purity and those who don’t fast tend to steer clear of non-veg and alcohol during this time.

If you’re fasting during Sharad Navratri, then you can eat dishes prepared from sabudana, samak chawal, kuttu, potatoes, sweet potatoes, water chestnut flour, amaranth flour, milk, milk products like curd and paneer, fruits, dry fruits, makhana, and rock salt (sendha namak).

Here are some dishes you can eat while you’re fasting this Navratri –

1. Kuttu poori/paratha
2. Aloo sabzi (with vrat-friendly spices and vegetables)
3. Makhana kheer
4. Sabudana tikki
5. Samak khichdi
6. Sabudana khichdi
7. Paneer sabzi (with vrat-friendly spices and vegetables)
8. Singhare poori/paratha
9. Kuttu pakode
10. Dahi aloo sabzi

Also Read: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Shares Vrat-Special, Paniyaram Recipe That You Need To Try This Navratri!

So, which dishes will you be trying while fasting this Sharad Navratri? Let us know in the comments!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)